THE same time that racing in Queensland was welcoming back Minister Tim Mander it has to say goodbye to the most experienced steward it could hope to have in Kim Kelly who today announced his resignation as Deputy Commissioner with the QRIC amid concerns the body will soon lose its independence.
“My time with Queensland racing is done,” Kelly told LGHR. “I have concerns about the direction integrity is heading. It’s a coincidence that it coincides with the return of Tim Mander as Minister.
“Under the new model planned following the Racing Review, the regulatory body QRIC will have a dependence on the commercial body (RQ) in respect of decisions which are made regarding finance, funding, manpower, staff, communications, all business services.
“The industry needs to have confidence that regulatory decisions won’t be affected by commercial interests.
“Because of that, I have decided it is better for me to step away from the industry in Queensland and let those matters be decided rather than me continuing to be a part of it.”
Kelly is extremely worried about plans by the new Government and Racing Minister Mander to reduce the cost of running QRIC. Some might say ‘what price integrity’?
But therein lies the problem of the regulator again controlling the policing of racing which has proved in the past to be an unhealthy situation with interference occurring. There is a need for separation of powers which the Government doesn’t seem to recognise.
Kelly says he is not comfortable with the situation where the regulator (RQ) will have control over stewards (formerly QRIC which soon won’t exist). And so should the punters be.
LGHR agrees with his concerns that this presents a major conflict of interest that can’t be mitigated against and isn’t acceptable even at a commercial business level let alone something as important as the policing of horse racing.
He will finish duties at the end of the month and unfortunately by then the inquiry involving the seizure of mobiles from identities alleged to be – or having been – involved with Ben Currie will not have been completed.
Just who will take over from Kim Kelly remains a major headache for the industry and a worry for punters. Some of the names being suggested are unacceptable nor should a new Board Member – with a stewarding background – be catapulted into the role.
LGHR thanks Mr Kelly for his support in answering any queries we have had during our association since he returned from Hong Kong. His loss is a big blow for integrity of Queensland racing. We have grave fears about the future but will continue to report on any anomalies that might occur.
Kim would not comment on reports that he and new chairman Matt McGrath don’t see eye to eye on plans for the policing of racing in Queensland. It’s a pity we weren’t reporting on the resignation of McGrath and not Kelly on this occasion.
Expect more to come on this once Kim Kelly is free of any legal requirements involved in comments he makes while employed by QRIC.
